Musicians in need will benefit from a stellar gathering of former Pat McJimsey band members at The Historic Orpheum Theatre last St. Patrick’s Day donating their performances for the PAT Bash.

Alumni from many of beloved Wichita musician McJimsey’s rock, blues and jazz bands dating from the 60's (Entire British Navy, Bear Valley Blues Band, Hard Times, Grits, Ranch House Swing Band and others) until his untimely passing in 2004 (Transition and Four Brothers) reunited in concert to celebrate McJimsey’s legacy, and promote greater support and awareness of The PAT Fund.

Tasked with contacting scores of musicians from local players to Mike Finnigan and Martina McBride, Drake Macy and John Salem are two of McJimsey’s friends and fellow musicians helping coordinate the program. “We knew everyone would want to be part of this first big concert because it’s for Pat, and because it’s a worthy cause that helps musicians keep their music alive,” said Macy.

A few of the musicians performing include Ray Murry, Marc Westerman, Rudy Love, Ed Macy, Ken White, Paul Chavez, Tom Szambecki, Bill Landrum, Jim Keefer, Clif Major and Rachelle Coba. Jesse Thompson and Ben Kincaid, a couple of young players nurtured by McJimsey, also participated. “We’ve got players coming back from KC and Atlanta to be a part of this show,” added Macy. “It’s going to be quite a lineup of musicians helping musicians.”

The PAT - Performers Assistance Trust - Fund was created at the request of the late musician’s wife, Barb Pearce-McJimsey, from memorial gifts following his sudden death from a heart attack April 1, 2004. “Pat understood the needs of so many musicians who struggle to survive without health insurance or savings, especially when a hardship interrupts their ability to play for pay,” explained Pearce-McJimsey. “When adversity affects a musician’s ability to keep gigging the struggle can become a crisis.”

Almost three years later, The PAT Fund has helped over a dozen local musicians, like “Pete”, who couldn’t afford vital heart medication, and “John”, who needed special therapy after a stroke. “Max” needed help while recuperating from an accident that cost him weeks worth of gigs. “Mary” contacted The PAT Fund when her musician husband died unexpectedly.

The PAT Fund is a nonprofit resource (administered by the Wichita Blues Society) for working area musicians unable to gig due to major illness, accident or medical emergency, or for their immediate survivors to address final expenses. Applications for assistance are reviewed by the PAT Fund Committee and acted upon in keeping with the urgency of the request.

Contributions and memorial gifts sustain The PAT Fund. To make a donation at any time send your contribution to: The PAT Fund, c/o The Wichita Blues Society, PO Box 8273 - Munger Station, Wichita, KS 67208. WBS is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 Kansas corporation.

Performers Assistance Trust

The PAT Fund was established at the request of Pat McJimsey's wife and WBS member, Barbara Pearce-McJimsey, following his death on April 1, 2004.

The PAT Fund mission is to offer modest financial aid in a timely and practical manner to any deserving area musician (or their immediate survivors.)

An Applicant* to the PAT Fund must be or have been a professional musician in Wichita and South-Central Kansas, and must document a specific and verifiable need. All information submitted will be kept confidential unless authorized by the applicant.





Types of Assistance:
Medical/RX due to illness/accident
Emergency needs
Burial/Final Expenses

Range of Assistance:

Up to $500

The PAT Fund is administered by the Wichita Blues Society.

*Anyone can request and submit an application on behalf of a qualified musician or their immediate survivors.

Annual events will directly benefit the PAT Fund.
If you would like to sponsor, volunteer or simply attend any of these events, please contact Ann Keefer at 651-0407 or email her at ann.keefer@wichitablues.org